Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce and longtime player, coach and broadcaster Doug Collins lead the first-time nominees for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2021

Teague was a calming influence off the bench for the Celtics on Tuesday night, and the veteran guard will play a key role as he gets acclimated to his new team.

Boston’s Jaylen Brown goes 1 for 11 from the field and Jayson Tatum is 4 for 13.

This Boston team is built around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and with a revamped roster the sights are set on taking the next step.

Tristan Thompson, a power forward/center who signed as a free agent in November, has been sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Some of Boston’s young players will get a chance to play some quality minutes with Tristan Thompson and Kemba Walker on the mend.

If Boston decides not to participate, the Celtics’ coach will need to get creative to continue the improvement of players like Tremont Waters and Tacko Fall.

Boston plays its first exhibition game on Dec. 15 and opens the regular season a week later.

Newly acquired center Tristan Thompson thinks winning a title with LeBron James will help him elevate the play of Jayson Tatum.